[FILM REVIEW] HOPELESS (2023)

Neo-noir thriller film HOPELESS marks rising star Hong Xa Bin‘s big screen debut. The movie premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival back in May. Anticipation was high in the air when fans found out that Song Joong Ki and Kim Hyoung Seo, otherwise known as BIBI, also starred in the action-packed movie.

Yeon Gyu (Hong Xa Bin) is a 17-year-old boy who is working tirelessly to save money and get out of the ruthless city of Myeongan. He has always had dreams of moving to the Netherlands with his mother, but it seems like life is constantly throwing him in for a loop at every turn. School life isn’t any better for Yeon Gyu, who has to deal with other school boys who bother his stepsister Hayan (Kim Hyoung Seo) and look down on him. A spark of hope lights up inside him when he encounters Chi Geon (Song Joong Ki).

A Ray of Hope

Yeon Gyu does not want to continue living life in misery any longer. He hates how his abusive stepfather comes home drunk and releases his frustration by laying a hand on him. It is only when Hayan is around at home that Yeon Gyu gets to avoid being hit by his stepfather. However, Yeon Gyu gets into an altercation with a student who has been harassing his sister, leading to him having to pay compensation for the injuries caused.

Adding salt to injury, Yeon Gyu gets into another abusive episode with his stepfather, who manages to scar his face. The customers at his part-time workplace complain about his appearance, which leads to him getting fired from his job. Yeon Gyu unexpectedly receives help from Chi Geon, a mid-level gang boss of a criminal organisation.

Feeling desperate and lost, he decides to join Chi Geon in the hopes of turning his life around even though the man does not expect Yeon Gyu to repay him back for the favour extended. However, Yeon Gyu realises that maybe it is better to join a criminal organisation and earn fast money so that he will be able to fulfill his dream as fast as he can.

Fall from Grace

A life of crime is not as easy as it seems. With high risks, come big rewards. The tasks given to Yeon Gyu are not easy and simple tasks. He has to make sure that he does not leave traces of his presence when executing his criminal activities. Chi Geon accepts him into the gang after seeing that Yeon Gyu is trying his best, and imparts him with knowledge on how to survive in the cruel world.

Yeon Gyu gets even more reckless, and Hayan notices how her stepbrother is changing over time. While Chi Geon and Yeon Gyu get closer, Yeon Gyu starts receiving more dangerous tasks over time from the head honcho of the organisation. When will enough be enough?

Review

HOPELESS is more than 2 hours long, but it is not slow-paced at all. Movie-goers can expect a lot of action and emotional scenes while watching the film. Yeon Gyu is a 17-year-old boy who is too young to be experiencing a difficult life. With no positive influences in his life, he usually keeps to himself and does not have someone who he can turn to.

His relationship with his stepsister may seem rocky on the outside, but Hayan is someone who does not hesitate to help Yeon Gyu when he needs help. Strong-willed and fierce, Hayan does not fade into the background as a support character. It will be a delight for fans to be able to see BIBI in one of her most impactful roles on the big screen.

Song Joong Ki plays a more raw and uncouth character in the movie, which is a change from the classy characters he had played in recent years. Hong Xa Bin makes the audience empathise with his characting through his solid acting and intense emotions showcased.

While HOPELESS is one of the longer-running Korean films to be aired in cinemas, the audience can expect to be entertained and intrigued by the scenes throughout the show. It is quite fast-paced regardless of the length of the film. Chi Geon and Yeon Gyu’s actions will have everyone questioning their actions, and at the same time empathising with the men at the same time. Slowly, the puzzle pieces will come together to form the big picture. Will Yeon Gyu achieve the happy ending he has been looking for?

HOPELESS is now showing in selected cinemas for a limited time only. Catch Hong Xa Bin, Song Joong Ki, and BIBI in this action-packed thriller film before it leaves Singapore!

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Running Time: 124 minutes
The Seoul Story’s Rating: 4/5 

Written by: Aqilah
Photos by: Purple Plan

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